SOURCE: AFI
In a striking display of India’s growing aerospace prowess, a new poster of the Tejas MkII, the next iteration of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), has been unveiled, highlighting its impressive armament and upgraded design features. The poster, recently showcased, depicts the Tejas MkII loaded with an array of cutting-edge munitions and systems, signaling its evolution into a versatile multi-role fighter capable of meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) diverse operational demands.
The Tejas MkII, an advanced variant of the LCA Tejas, is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With enhanced avionics, a more powerful engine, and an increased payload capacity, the MkII promises to bridge the gap between the current Tejas Mk1A and the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The new poster offers a glimpse into its formidable weaponry and structural upgrades, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of India’s aerial defense strategy.
A Lethal Arsenal on Display
The Tejas MkII poster showcases a meticulously balanced loadout, designed to tackle air-to-air, air-to-ground, and suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions with precision and flexibility. The aircraft is depicted carrying:
- Three Astra Missiles: These indigenous beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, developed by DRDO, include variants like the Astra Mk1 (110 km range) and the upcoming Astra Mk2 (130-160 km range). The poster hints at the potential integration of the Astra Mk3 (Gandiva), recently reported to boast a 340 km range, outclassing competitors like China’s PL-15 and the U.S. AIM-174.
- Two AIM-132 ASRAAMs: The Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), a British-designed weapon, enhances the Tejas MkII’s close-combat capabilities. Typically mounted on wingtip hardpoints, these missiles provide rapid-response defense against agile enemy aircraft.
- Four SAAW Units: The Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), another DRDO creation, is a precision-guided munition designed to neutralize enemy runways and infrastructure. With a 100 km range, the four SAAW units underscore the MkII’s ground-attack potential.
- One RudraM-II: This air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, developed by DRDO, targets enemy radar and communication systems, making it a key asset for SEAD missions. With a range exceeding 200 km, the RudraM-II strengthens the Tejas MkII’s ability to disrupt hostile air defenses.
- Drop Tanks: The aircraft carries a 1,700-liter drop tank and a 1,350-liter drop tank, extending its range and endurance for long-range missions. These “wet stations” ensure the Tejas MkII can operate deep into contested airspace.
- TARA 250: This appears to be a new addition, possibly a 250 kg-class precision-guided munition or bomb, though details remain sparse. Its inclusion suggests further versatility in the MkII’s air-to-ground arsenal.
- Litening LDP: The Litening Laser Designation Pod (LDP), a proven targeting system, enhances the aircraft’s ability to deliver precision strikes, day or night, by providing laser guidance for bombs and missiles.
One of the most intriguing features highlighted in the poster is the Tejas MkII’s chin intakes, which are now shown to be capable of carrying 250 kg-class air-to-ground (A2G) precision-guided munitions (PGMs). This design innovation expands the aircraft’s payload options, allowing it to mount additional weaponry without compromising its aerodynamic profile. The chin-mounted hardpoints could accommodate bombs like the DRDO’s High-Speed Low-Drag (HSLD) series or other lightweight PGMs, further amplifying its strike capabilities.
This loadout positions the Tejas MkII as a true multi-role platform, capable of engaging enemy aircraft at long range with Astra missiles, defending itself in dogfights with ASRAAMs, and striking ground targets with SAAW, RudraM-II, and additional PGMs. The extended range provided by the drop tanks ensures it can undertake deep-penetration missions, while the Litening LDP enhances its all-weather precision strike capability.
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